Optical circuit system and components of same technical field

ABSTRACT

An optical circuit system which takes out at least a portion of the light of a light power source corresponding to at least one type of output voltage of an IC, board, multichip module, electronic element, or opto-electronic element and produces an optical signal, wherein the light power source is an optical waveguide into which light has been introduced, a waveguide laser, or a waveguide optical amplifier, light reflecting portions are provided at its ends and/or middle, a signal transmission waveguide is formed in contact with the side surface and/or top or bottom surface of the optical waveguide or in proximity to the same at a certain distance, and the optical signal corresponding to at least one type of output voltage of the IC, board, multichip module, electronic element, or opto-electronic element is made to propagate to the signal transmission waveguide, which optical circuit system is rich in flexibility and enables complicated optical interconnections to be handled, and components of the same.

This Application is a Divisional application of U.S. Ser. No.08/240,739, (filed on Aug. 15, 1994 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,757,989), whichis based on and claims priority of PCT/JP93/01301 (filed on Sep. 10,1993) which is based on and claims priority of JP 4-241954 (filed onSep. 10, 1992) and JP 4-249627 (filed on Sep. 18, 1992).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an optical circuit system (for example,an optical circuit, optical LSI, optical circuit substrate, backplaneoptical circuit) which can produce an optical signal for propagationalong an optical circuit composed mainly of an optical waveguide andoptical fiber, more particularly which can produce an optical signalwith a small fluctuation in intensity by a plurality of electricalelements without the use of separate electro-optic conversion elementsand to components of the same (for example, optical tabs, opticalswitches, optical couplers, waveguide optical amplifiers, waveguideoptical lasers, and optical couplers).

The optical circuit system and components according to the presentinvention are suitable for use in optical information fields such asoptical communications and optical interconnection.

2. Description of Related Art

Optical circuits, as is well known in the art, play an important role invarious optical information processing systems such as optical exchangesin optical communication. We have proposed various systems regardingoptical circuits for optical interconnections wherein we form opticalcircuits by coupling IC's, multichip modules, boards, etc. by opticalwaveguides in optical circuits using optical waveguides and opticalfibers and transmit signals over the same. According to these proposals,the optical circuit is primarily formed by optical waveguides. In anoptical circuit comprised primarily of optical waveguides, however,there is the problem of attenuation of the intensity of the signal lightalong with the propagation and transmission of light.

Further, proposals have been made of various systems for generatingoptical signals from electrical signals. For example, a proposal hasbeen made of the method of guiding non-signal light generated at a lightsource through an optical waveguide and generating signal light havingintensity modulation by a voltage-controlled type optical branchingfilter formed by an electro-optic material etc. In these methods,however, when generating a plurality of signal lights from a singlewaveguide, there is the problem of the difficulty in obtaining signallight with a fixed intensity.

On the other hand, as an element for amplifying the attenuating signallight, in the field of optical communications, study has been made ofoptical amplification fibers using optical fibers. While these areeffective as elements for amplifying the signal light propagated throughan optical fiber, there is the problem that they are not suitable interms of integration or compatibility as elements for amplifying thesignal light propagated through an optical waveguide.

On the other hand, waveguide optical amplifiers and waveguide lasers areapplied for the above-mentioned optical circuits and are promising inthemselves as the important components in various types of opticalsystems.

That is, optical fiber amplifiers comprising optical fibers doped withrare earth ions are used for long distance optical communications. Touse waveguides in the long distance optical communications and to makeoptical systems more compact is effective for reduction of the size ofoptical systems. In the case of a waveguide, however, since the opticalpath becomes shorter, it becomes necessary to increase the amount ofdoping depending on the shortness of the path. Until now, attempts havebeen made to realize a waveguide amplifier of a polymer by doping thepolymer with molecules containing a rare earth element or with rareearth ions in large amounts, but there were problems of reabsorption ofthe light and of light extinction due to the large amount of doping ofrare earth-containing molecules or rare earth ions. Similar problemsalso arose in a glass-type waveguide.

On the other hand, along with the higher speeds and greaterminiaturization of LSI's, the problem of wiring delay and heatgeneration have arisen. In view of this, numerous attempts have beenmade to introduce optical wiring for the wiring inside the LSI's,between LSI's, and between boards (MCM's). In a system where a largenumber of light emitting elements are made in a conventional chip andsignals are sent by turning these on and off, there have been variousdifficult problems such as the need to fabricate the micro LD's on theSi wafer by a heteroepitaxy method, to finely adjust the position of theoptical couplers, etc. As opposed to this, there is a method of mountingLD's and PD's in a hybrid fashion, but also in this case, the problemhas remained of a difficulty in improving the efficiency of opticalcouplers such as the need for fine positional adjustment.

Furthermore, general problems of optical wiring include the fact thatthe amount of light reaching the light receiving element ends upchanging depending on the number of fanouts or that there is no simplemethod of formation of waveguides in the longitudinal direction, andtherefore, there are the problems that, when introducing light into thesubstrate, the majority is introduced from the lateral direction or thedegree of freedom of introduction of light is small and when connectinga spatial beam (i.e., a beam propagating through space), there is theproblem that there is no effective means of beam control. It should benoted that a hologram would be effective, but until now, holograms havebeen flat, and therefore, there was the problem that noise becameterrible, when trying to control a large number of beams.

On the other hand, optical switches play an important role in variousoptical systems such as optical interconnections in computers andoptical exchanges. As such optical switches, there have been knowndirectional coupler systems in the past and intersection-typefull-reflection type optical switches. Directional couplers, however,are sensitive to fluctuations in dimensions and temperature and inparticular are difficult to use for matrix optical switches comprised ofoptical circuit substrates with large temperature fluctuations or largenumbers of optical switches integrated together. Further, there is theproblem that it is difficult to operate them with multimode waveguides.On the other hand, intersection-type full reflection type opticalswitches have the problem of residual crosstalk at the cross portion.Also, these two types of optical switches are limited in function toswitching inside waveguides and therefore there was the problem that itwas not possible to the switch to space.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the objects of the present invention are to eliminate theabove-mentioned problems in the conventional optical circuit system andto provide an optical circuit which can produce a plurality of opticalsignals from one light source, without the use of separate electro-opticconversion elements and with little fluctuation of intensity.

Another object of the present invention is to improve the structure ofan optical circuit and a waveguide optical amplifier, and to provide anovel waveguide optical amplifier material.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an optical LSI,an optical circuit substrate, and a backplane optical circuit substratewhich do not require a large number of light emitting elements and finecoupling between these and the transmission path wherein at least partof the electro-optic elements, light receiving elements, waveguides, andthe like are incorporated monolithically into the LSI, optical circuitsubstrate, and backplane optical circuit substrate.

A still further object of the present invention, is to provide a systemof transmission of uniform optical signals wherein the amount of thesupplied light is adjusted in accordance with the number of fanouts.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide alongitudinal (slanted) direction waveguide extending in the direction offilm thickness by growing a polymer film with a different orientationfrom the surroundings on an underlayer pattern film or forming a CVDgrowth film etc. on a step difference and a method of optical couplingusing the same.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide anefficient spatial coupling system by using a hologram material for thespatial connection medium and forming a hologram, waveguide, anddistribution of index of refraction in the medium.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a stableelectro-optic (EO) conversion device by using a reflection type EOoptical switch.

A still further object of the present invention further is to provide anoptical circuit substrate which enables optical connection just bymounting an LSI on a circuit substrate by giving a light emittingfunction and/or light receiving function to the circuit substrate side.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide an opticalswitch which enables switching of the optical path between waveguideswith no mutual interaction.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an opticalcircuit including an optical waveguide which transmits a light Icarrying signals and information, the optical circuit being comprised ofa light source A which generates a light II of a shorter wavelength thanthe light I, a light source B which is provided at its two ends withopposing reflecting films, mirrors, or diffraction gratings andgenerates the light I by the light II, and at least one optical switchor optical branching filter which switches to the optical waveguide orbranches the light I generated by the light source B according to anelectrical signal.

In accordance with the present invention, there is also provided anoptical circuit including an optical waveguide which transmits a light Icarrying signals and information, the optical circuit being comprised ofa light source A which generates a light II of a shorter wavelength thanthe light I, a light source B which is provided at its two ends withopposing reflecting films, mirrors, or diffraction gratings andgenerates a light I by the light II, and at least one optical switch oroptical branching filter which switches to the optical waveguide orbranches the light I generated by the light source B according to anelectrical signal and by a light III carrying the same signal having thesame wavelength or the information at the light II and the light I andcarrying signals and information being coupled or irradiated to thelight source B.

In accordance with the present invention, there is further provided anoptical circuit which takes out at least a portion of the light of alight power source corresponding to at least one type of output voltageof an IC, board, multichip module, electronic element, oropto-electronic element and generates an optical signal, wherein thelight source is an optical waveguide into which light is introduced,light reflecting portions are provided at its ends and/or middle, asignal transmission waveguide is formed in contact with the side surfaceand/or top or bottom surface of an optical waveguide or in proximity tothe same at a certain distance, and the optical signal corresponding toat least one type of output voltage of the IC, board, multichip module,electronic element, or opto-electronic element is made to propagate tothe signal transmission waveguide.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The present invention will be explained in further detail referring tothe appended drawings.

FIG. 1 is a view showing an embodiment of the structure of the opticalcircuit according to one aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a view showing another embodiment of the structure of theoptical circuit according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a view showing the multiple directions of progression ofbranched light in an embodiment of the structure of the optical circuitaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of the method of irradiating lightto a light source in a view of the optical circuit according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 5 is a view showing an example of use of an electrode having acyclic structure in an optical-circuit for optical amplificationaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a view showing another example of an optical amplificationoptical circuit according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a view showing still another example of an opticalamplification optical circuit according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a view showing still another example of an opticalamplification optical circuit according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a view showing still another example of an opticalamplification optical circuit according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a view showing still another example of an opticalamplification optical circuit according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a view showing still another example of an opticalamplification optical circuit according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a view showing still another example of an opticalamplification optical circuit according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a structural view of an embodiment of an optical circuit of asecond aspect of the present invention.

FIGS. 14(A) and 14(B) give plan views of optical circuits provided withlight power sources.

FIG. 15 is a view showing an embodiment of the structure of an opticalcircuit having a light power source (waveguide optical amplifier).

FIG. 16 is a view showing an embodiment of the structure of an opticalcircuit having a light power source (waveguide optical amplifier).

FIG. 17, comprising subparts (a), (b), (c), (d), (e) and (f) gives viewsshowing an improved structure of a waveguide optical amplifier orwaveguide laser of the present invention.

FIGS. 18(A), 18(B) and 18(C) give views schematically showing an organicearth doped material.

FIG. 19 is a view schematically showing a monomer molecule used forincorporating a rare earth ion in a polymer.

FIG. 20 is a graph showing the relationship between the indexes ofrefraction of two types of layer materials forming the waveguide opticalamplifier and waveguide laser and having different distributions ofindexes of refraction and the wavelength of the light.

FIG. 21 is a view showing an example of an optical LSI.

FIG. 22 is a view showing an example of an optical modulator and opticalswitch.

FIG. 23 is a view showing a pickup system (formed so that the PD cutsacross the waveguide) provided with a light power source (or aphotoelectric source) using a waveguide laser and amplifier comprised ofa rare earth ion doped glass, polymer, or ceramic.

FIG. 24 is a view showing an example of an optical LSI using a polymerwaveguide (with a PD formed in the LSI)

FIG. 25 gives views showing examples of the introduction of light to theoptical LSI or the emission of light from the LSI (a plurality of LSI'sbeing incorporated inside).

FIG. 26 gives views showing examples of an optical LSI introducing lightby an HOE or optical solder or the like from the surface side.

FIG. 27 is a view showing an example of an optical circuit substratecomprised of a cladding and waveguides superposed (monolithic type).

FIG. 28 is a view showing another example of an optical circuitsubstrate comprised of a cladding and waveguides superposed (monolithictype).

FIG. 29 is a view showing an example of the change of the lightsupplying power in accordance with the fanouts of the signal in theoptical LSI.

FIG. 30 is a view showing an example of a monolithic optical circuitsubstrate.

FIG. 31 is a view of the concept of three-dimensional packaging ofoptical circuit substrates.

FIG. 32 is a schematic view of longitudinal direction waveguides.

FIG. 33 is view showing an example of the provision of PD's and LD's onthe ends of waveguides.

FIG. 34 is a view showing an example of the provision of PD's and LD'son the end of waveguides.

FIG. 35 gives views showing examples of the use of a longitudinaldirection waveguide in an optical LSI.

FIGS. 36(a), 36(b) and 36(c) give views showing examples of alongitudinal direction waveguide.

FIG. 37 is a view showing an example of mounting optical circuitsubstrates on a backplane.

FIG. 38 is a view showing an example of formation of an optical-opticalswitch on a backplane.

FIG. 39 is a view showing an example of optical coupling by an opticaltab and optical solder.

FIG. 40 is a view showing an example of parallel optical transmitters.

FIG. 41 is a view showing an example of signal transmission between acircuit substrate inside a cooler and outside circuit substrates byoptical connection.

FIG. 42 is a view showing an example of a hybrid optical circuitsubstrate.

FIG. 43 to FIG. 48 are views showing various modes of packaging onhybrid and monolithic optical circuit substrates.

FIG. 49 is a view showing an example of the packaging mode of an opticalcircuit substrate.

FIG. 50, FIG. 51, and FIG. 52 are views showing various packaging modesin optical circuit substrates.

FIG. 53 and FIG. 54 are views showing examples of three-dimensionalpackaging modes of optical circuit substrates.

FIG. 55 is a view showing an example of parallel optical transmitters.

FIGS. 56(a), 56(b) and 56(c) give views showing examples of broadeningthe waveguide gap of waveguides by a usual directional coupler so as toreduce the interaction of waveguides.

FIGS. 57(a) and 57(b) give views showing an example (a) of applicationof voltage to the cladding and an example (b) of optical switching witha window formed at a slant.

FIG. 58 is a view showing an example of longitudinal superposition ofwaveguides.

FIG. 59 is a view showing an example of an optical circuit where lightis made to pass out to the space by using a nonlinear optical materialfor the cladding.

FIG. 60 is a view showing an example of an optical circuit where lightis made to jump through space by using a nonlinear optical material forthe waveguide itself.

FIG. 61 is a view showing an example of formation of a grating using acomb-like electrode.

FIG. 62 is a view showing an example of driving an optical switch usinga thin film transistor (TFT).

FIG. 63 and FIG. 64 are views showing examples of control of the beamcollection and emission direction by provision of a layer with anonuniform index of refraction.

FIG. 65 and FIG. 66 are views showing an example of giving a reflectionfunction to the end surface or its periphery.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is providedan optical circuit including an optical waveguide which transmits alight I carrying signals and information, the optical circuit beingcomprised of a light source A which generates a light II of a shorterwavelength than the light I, a light source B which is provided at itstwo ends with opposing reflecting films, mirrors, or diffractiongratings and generates a light I by the light II, and at least oneoptical switch or optical branching filter which switches to the opticalwaveguide or branches the light I generated by the light source Baccording to an electrical signal.

According to the present invention, there is further provided an opticalcircuit including an optical waveguide which transmits a light Icarrying signals and information, the optical circuit being comprised ofa light source A which generates a light II of a shorter wavelength thanthe light I, a light source B which is provided at its two ends withopposing reflecting films, mirrors, or diffraction gratings andgenerates a light I by the light II, and at least one optical switch oroptical branching filter which switches to the optical waveguide orbranches the light I generated by the light source B according to anelectrical signal and by a light III of the same wavelength as the lightII and light I and carrying signals and information being coupled orirradiated to the light source B.

In the above-mentioned two optical circuits, the light source B ispreferably comprised of a high index of refraction region and a lowindex of refraction region contacting each other. Provision is made ofopposing reflecting films, mirrors, or diffraction gratings at the twoends of the high index of refraction region and the light II or thelight II and the light I generated by the light source C are coupled orirradiated at the low index of refraction region. The optical switch oroptical branching filter are preferably an optical switch or opticalbranching filter which are formed by a material having an electro-opticeffect, undergo a change in the index of refraction upon application ofvoltage, and thus switch or branch part of the light I of the lightsource B.

The optical switch or optical branching filter further preferably isformed by a material having electrodes with a cyclic structure andhaving an electro-optic effect and thereby forms a cyclic pattern ofmodulation of the index of refraction upon application of voltage to theelectrodes. They may be made an optical switch or optical branchingfilter which switch or branch part of the light I of the light source B.

It should be noted that in the present invention, the light source A isdisposed on the same substrate as the light source B and the light IIproduced by the light source A is coupled or irradiated at the lightsource B using as a medium optical waveguide, optical fiber, or space orelse the light source A is disposed on a different substrate as thelight source B and the light II produced by the light source A iscoupled or irradiated at the light source B using as a medium an opticalwaveguide, optical fiber, or space.

According to the present invention, there is further provided an opticalamplification optical circuit including an optical waveguide fortransmitting light III having intensity modulation, the optical circuitcomprised of a light source for generating a light IV of a wavelengthshorter than the light III, an optical waveguide I for amplifying theintensity modulation of the light III by a light IV, an optical couplerI for coupling the light III to the optical waveguide I, an opticalcoupler II for coupling the light IV to the optical waveguide I, and adiffraction grating which diffracts the light III guided through theoptical waveguide I.

According to the present invention, there is further provided an opticalamplification optical circuit including a waveguide for transmittinglight having intensity modulation, the optical circuit comprised of alight source for generating a light IV of a wavelength shorter than thelight III, an optical waveguide I for deflecting the direction ofprogression of light by one or more diffraction gratings for diffractingat least the light III and for amplifying the intensity modulation ofthe light III by the light IV, an optical coupler I for coupling thelight III to the optical waveguide I, an optical coupler II for couplingthe light IV to the optical waveguide I, and an optical branching filterfor branching the light III from the light guided in the opticalwaveguide I.

According to the present invention, there is further provided an opticalamplification optical circuit including an optical waveguide fortransmitting light III having intensity modulation, the optical circuitcomprised of a light source for generating a light IV of a wavelengthshorter than the light III, a waveguide I for amplifying the intensitymodulation of the light III by the light IV, reflecting films, mirrors,or diffraction gratings for reflecting at least the light III and formedat the two ends of the waveguide I facing each other, an optical couplerI for coupling the light III to the waveguide I, an optical coupler IIfor coupling the light IV to the waveguide I, and a branching filter forbranching the light III of the waveguide I.

According to the present invention, there is further provided an opticalamplification optical circuit for transmitting light III havingintensity modulation, the optical circuit comprised of a light sourcefor generating a light IV of a wavelength shorter than the light III, amirror I and mirror II or a reflecting film I and reflecting film IIfacing each other in parallel or substantially in parallel, and a blockprovided between the two mirrors for amplifying the intensity modulationof light III and by irradiating light IV to the block and irradiatingthe light III to the block in a direction wherein the light reciprocatesat least once between the two mirrors.

According to the present invention, there is further provided an opticalamplification optical circuit including a waveguide for transmittinglight III having intensity modulation, the optical circuit comprised ofa light source for generating a light IV of a wavelength shorter thanthe light III, a film or block provided connected to the waveguide,having an index of refraction lower than the guiding layer of thewaveguide, and amplifying the intensity modulation of the light III bythe light IV, and an optical coupler I for introducing the light IV tothe waveguide.

According to the present invention, there is further provided an opticalamplification optical circuit including a waveguide for transmittinglight III having intensity modulation, the optical circuit comprised ofa light source for generating a light IV of a wavelength shorter thanthe light III and a film or block provided connected to the waveguide,having an index of refraction lower than the guiding layer of thewaveguide, and amplifying the intensity modulation of the light III bythe light IV and by irradiating the light IV to the film or block.

In the first aspect of the present invention, first, light for producingan optical signal is produced in the substrate on which the electricalcircuits are placed. Therefore, the light which is produced becomes usedin parallel with the various electrical circuits, so it becomes possiblefor the plurality of electrical circuits to use this light and toproduce a plurality of optical signals with little variation ofintensity.

In accordance with the present invention, a waveguide is prepared by amaterial including a material causing population inversion on asubstrate on which electrical circuits are placed. By forming reflectingfilms, mirrors, or reflecting diffraction gratings on the two ends,laser oscillation becomes possible, light can be generated, and thewaveguide itself becomes a light source. If light causing a populationinversion (light II) is introduced or irradiated to the waveguide,population inversion occurs, a dielectric discharge occurs, and constantlight is generated. By branching this light as intensity modulated lightby an electrical response type optical branching filter corresponding tothe electrical elements, signal light is produced. It is also possibleto introduce to the waveguide light having the same wavelength as thelight produced by the waveguide. Further, the waveguide may be made astructure having at the periphery of the cladding a low index ofrefraction region having an index of refraction lower than the centerhigh index of refraction region and an index of refraction higher thanthe cladding and may be constituted provided with reflecting films,mirrors, or reflecting diffraction gratings at the high index ofrefraction region. In this case, it is possible to introduce light intothe waveguide from the low index of refraction region of the waveguidewhere no reflecting films, mirrors, or refracting diffraction gratingsare provided at a high efficiency.

The electrical response type optical branching filter used in thepresent invention may be formed using for example an electro-opticmaterial. By connecting to the light producing waveguide anelectro-optic material having electrodes connecting with the signal endsof the electrical circuit, applying an electrical signal from theelectrical circuit, and thereby changing the index of refraction of theelectro-optic material, it is possible to obtain intensity modulatedlight modulated by an electrical signal. Note that the electrodes may bemade a cyclic structure and a cyclic structure may be given to the indexof refraction to branch light by diffraction.

As the material for the light producing waveguide used in the presentinvention, use may be made of any inorganic material or organicmaterial. As examples of such an inorganic material, mention may be madeof rare earth doped glasses, such as Er doped glass, Pr doped fluorideglass. On the other hand, as the organic material, mention may be madeof xanthene dyes such as Rhodamine 6G, Rhodamine B, cumarin dyes such asdimethyl-ethylaminocumarin, methyldimethylaminocumarin,trifluoromethylmethyl-ethylaminocumarin, epoxy polymers, acrylicpolymers, urethane polymers, etc.

According to other examples of the first aspect of the presentinvention, a proposal is made of an optical circuit for amplifyingsignal light propagated through an optical waveguide. Use of a waveguideshaped optical amplification element is effective when trying toincrease integration. As an optical signal amplification element, thereis a material, one utilizing dielectric Raman scattering, which is onekind of nonlinear effect, and one utilizing population inversion. Ingeneral, an optical amplification element utilizing dielectric Ramanscattering requires a larger pump light intensity than an elementutilizing population inversion, and therefore, it is advantageous to usean element utilizing population inversion.

The material for an optical amplification element usable in the presentinvention is the same as the inorganic material or organic materialusable used in the above-mentioned light producing waveguide material.By preparing a waveguide by a material comprising these materials as itsmain components and guiding or irradiating light (pump light) having ahigher energy than signal light to the same, a population inversionoccurs. If the signal light is guided here, then a dielectric dischargeoccurs and optical amplification occurs. The above-mentioned materialshave wavelengths effective for optical amplification, and therefore, thematerials are selected in accordance with the wavelength of the signallight. For example, Er doped glass is effective with respect to light ofa 1.55 μm band, while Pr doped fluoride glass is effective with respectto the 1.3 μm band. Materials including various types of organic dyesare effective with respect to a wavelength near the maximum wavelengthband of fluorescent light of organic dyes.

Therefore, the optical amplification optical circuit in accordance withthe present invention has as its constituent elements theabove-mentioned optical amplification waveguide, an optical coupler forintroducing signal light there, and an optical coupler for introducingpump light or an optical system for irradiating the same and an opticalbranching filter for separating the signal light from the light in thewaveguide and taking it out. As the optical coupler for introducingsignal light or pump light, for example, mention may be made of a Y-typewaveguide or directional coupler. As the optical branching filter,mention may be made of a diffraction grating and a wavelength selectiveY-type waveguide etc. The optical amplification waveguide used in thepresent invention may take a bent structure where the light is deflectedby a reflecting diffraction grating and reflecting film and may take astructure where the light is reciprocated between two opposingreflecting diffraction gratings or mirrors. There is the advantage thatthe bent structure or reciprocating structure can increase the length ofaction for optical amplification in a small element structure.

Further, according to the present invention, it is also possible toadopt a system of utilization of the evanescent wave, present in theclad layer, of the light guided through the above-mentioned waveguide.For example, if a film or a block formed by an optical amplificationelement material with an index of refraction lower than the waveguide isprovided connected to the top layer or bottom layer of the waveguidethrough which the signal light is guided, pump light is irradiated tothe optical amplification element material, and the signal light isguided to the waveguide, then a dielectric discharge occurs due to theevanescent wave of the signal light invading the optical amplificationoptical circuit material and the signal light is amplified. Pump lightmay be guided through the waveguide as well. In this case, a populationinversion is caused by the evanescent wave of the pump light. Further,as mentioned above, the waveguide may have a bent structure or areciprocating light structure.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is providedan optical circuit which takes out at least a portion of the light of alight power source corresponding to at least one type of output voltageof an IC, board, multichip module, electronic element, oropto-electronic element and generates an optical signal, wherein thelight source is an optical waveguide into which light is introduced,light reflecting portions are provided at its ends and/or middle, asignal transmission waveguide is formed in contact with the side surfaceand/or top or bottom surface of the optical waveguide or in proximity tothe same at a certain distance, and the optical signal corresponding toat least one type of output voltage of the IC, board, multichip module,electronic element, or opto-electronic element is made to propagate tothe signal transmission waveguide.

Further, another optical circuit of the present invention is an opticalcircuit which takes out at least a portion of the light of a light powersource corresponding to at least one type of output voltage of an IC,board, multichip module, electronic element, or opto-electronic elementand generates an optical signal, wherein the light power source is awaveguide laser which oscillates by pump light, the light power sourceitself is the light source, a signal transmission waveguide is formed incontact with the side surface and/or top or bottom surface of thewaveguide laser or in proximity to the same at a certain distance, andthe optical signal corresponding to at least one type of output voltageof the IC, board, multichip module, electronic element, oropto-electronic element is made to propagate to the signal transmissionwaveguide.

In the optical circuit of the present invention, the light power sourceor signal transmission waveguide itself preferably has an electro-opticeffect (a phenomenon in which the index of refraction changes inaccordance with a voltage or an intensity of irradiated light) or theregion between the signal transmission waveguide and light power sourcehas an electro-optic effect.

Next, the waveguide optical amplifier or waveguide laser of the presentinvention is composed of two regions: a doped region and a nondopedregion. Further, it has a high concentration doped region and a lowconcentration doped region.

Further, the waveguide optical amplifier or waveguide laser of thepresent invention provides a region with a large index of refractionwith respect to pump light or a region with a small one.

The waveguide optical amplifier or waveguide laser of the presentinvention further has a larger index of refraction with respect to pumplight in the high concentration doped region than in the nondoped or lowconcentration doped region and conversely has a larger index ofrefraction with respect to signal laser light in the nondoped or lowconcentration doped region than in the high concentration doped region.

The waveguide optical amplifier or waveguide laser of the presentinvention has a molecule including one or a plurality of rare earth ionsconstituted as a polymer side chain or has a molecule including one or aplurality of rare earth ions incorporated into a polymer main chain.

Further, in a waveguide optical amplifier or waveguide laser comprisedof the waveguide optical amplifier or waveguide laser of the presentinvention with the matrix material doped, the rare earth ion is includedas a halide, oxide, sulfide, oxyhalide, and/or sulfohalide.

The waveguide optical amplifier or waveguide laser of the presentinvention may be fabricated by the formation of a film for the waveguideoptical amplifier or the waveguide laser on a substrate by sputtering ofa glass or Group II-VI compound target including a halide, oxide,sulfide, oxyhalide, and/or sulfohalide of a rare earth ion.

The waveguide optical amplifier or waveguide laser of the presentinvention may further be fabricated by the formation of a film for thewaveguide optical amplifier or the waveguide laser on a substrate bymultitarget sputtering using a target of a halide, oxide, sulfide,oxyhalide, and/or sulfohalide of a rare earth ion and a target of aglass or Group II-VI compound target.

The waveguide optical amplifier or a waveguide laser of the presentinvention may further be fabricated by the formation of a film for thewaveguide optical amplifier or the waveguide laser on a substrate byevaporation of a glass or Group II-VI compound target including ahalide, oxide, sulfide, oxyhalide, and/or sulfohalide of a rare earthion.

The waveguide optical amplifier or a waveguide laser of the presentinvention may further be fabricated by the formation of a film for thewaveguide optical amplifier or the waveguide laser on a substrate bymulti-evaporation using a source of a halide, oxide, sulfide, oxyhalide,and/or sulfohalide of a rare earth ion and a source of glass or a GroupII-VI compound.

The waveguide optical amplifier or a waveguide laser of the presentinvention may further be fabricated by the formation of a region with ahigh index of refraction in advance on a substrate and the formation ofa film for a waveguide optical amplifier or a waveguide laser on thatregion.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is providedan optical LSI including optical wiring which drives an electro-opticoptical switch or optical modulator formed in the LSI by a voltage of atransistor in the LSI and/or an electrode connected to the same, picksup at least part of the light of a light power source (for example, awaveguide laser, waveguide optical amplifier, etc.), and therebyconverts the output electrical signal of the transistor in the LSI to anoptical signal, transmits this optical signal through the waveguide orspace (spatial medium), converts this to an electrical signal by a lightreceiving element provided in the same or another LSI or outside theLSI, and thus transmits the signal.

According to the third aspect of the invention, further, there isfurther provided an optical LSI including optical wiring which drives anelectro-optic optical switch or optical modulator formed in the LSI by avoltage of a transistor in the LSI and/or an electrode connected to thesame, picks up at least part of the light of a waveguide, and therebyconverts the output electrical signal of the transistor in the LSI to anoptical signal, transmits this optical signal through a waveguide or aspatial medium, converts it to an electrical signal by a light receivingelement provided in the same or another LSI or outside the LSI, and thustransmits the signal.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, there is furtherprovided an optical circuit substrate including optical wiring whichdrives an electro-optic optical switch or optical modulator provided onthe optical circuit substrate by a voltage of a transistor in the LSIand/or an electrode connected to the same, picks up at least part of thelight of a light power source or the light of a waveguide, and therebyconverts the output electrical signal of the transistor in the LSI to anoptical signal, transmits this optical signal through a waveguide orspatial medium, converts this to an electrical signal by a lightreceiving element provided in the optical circuit substrate, a lightreceiving element provided in an LSI, or a light receiving elementmounted on the optical circuit substrate, and thus transmits the signalto a transistor in the same or another LSI and/or an electrode connectedto the same.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, there is furtherprovided a backplane optical circuit substrate for connecting opticalcircuit substrates, which backplane optical circuit substrate includesoptical wiring and drives an electro-optic optical switch or opticalmodulator provided in the backplane optical circuit substrate by avoltage of an electrode of an optical circuit substrate, picks up atleast part of the light of a light power source (for example, awaveguide laser, waveguide optical amplifier, etc.) or a waveguide, andthereby converts the output electrical signal of the optical circuitsubstrate to an optical signal, transmits this optical signal through awaveguide or spatial medium, converts this to an electrical signal by alight receiving element provided in the backplane optical circuitsubstrate or a light receiving element provided in another opticalcircuit substrate mounted on the backplane, and thus transmits thesignal.

In the third aspect of the present invention, all or part of a waveguidecan be composed of a polymer and/or glass and/or ceramic, and all orpart of the electro-optic optical switch or optical modulator can bemade from an electro-optic polymer, a material selected from secondaryor tertiary organic nonlinear optical materials, or a material selectedfrom semiconductor materials and glass. The electro-optic optical switchand optical modulator may be operated by using the reflected lightresulting from causing a difference in the index of refraction in theoptical waveguide by application of voltage. Further, it is possible tooperate them by using the leakage of light resulting from opening awindow of the index of refraction in the cladding by the application ofvoltage.

The light receiving element may be formed above the waveguide, below thesame, or in a manner cutting across the inside of the waveguide and maybe selected from a photodiode, phototransistor, and MSM detectorcomposed of amorphous silicon, polycrystalline silicon, or a conjugatedpolymer. The substrate may be a semiconductor crystal with the lightreceiving element formed in the substrate. Note that a light receivingelement using a polymer material and/or a light receiving element usinga polymer material may be mounted monolithically on the substrate. Thelight power source used in the present invention may be composed of aglass ceramic, polymer, or glass. Note that the polymers mentioned aboveare formed by the vapor phase growth method.

In the third aspect of the present invention, a light supplying power isallocated in accordance with the fanouts of the signal. Further,provision is made of an optical path switching portion in thetransmission path. As the pumping light or the light incident to thewaveguide, use may be made of light from a light emitting element formedin the LSI or mounted on the LSI, light introduced from a fiber to theLSI, a spatial beam, light of a waveguide formed in the circuitsubstrate mounting the LSI, light from a light emitting element formedin or mounted on the optical circuit substrate, light introduced from afiber to the optical circuit substrate, a spatial beam, or light of awaveguide formed in the backplane mounting the optical circuitsubstrate.

In the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible tointroduce the light from the LSI to a waveguide formed in the circuitsubstrate mounting the LSI to transmit it. Further, it is possible tointroduce the light from the optical circuit substrate to the waveguideformed at the backplane mounting the optical circuit substrate totransmit it.

In the third aspect of the present invention, there is further providedan optical tab in which waveguides are formed in or on a flexiblesubstrate and one waveguide (optical fiber) and another waveguide(optical fiber) or a light emitting element and a waveguide (opticalfiber) or a light receiving element and a waveguide (optical fiber) arecoupled by crimping or by the coupling method (optical solder) asdescribed in Japanese Patent Application No. 4-298920 filed on Nov. 9,1992 (relating to a method of optical coupling by an optical materialfor optically coupling waveguides, optical fibers, laser diodes,photodiodes, and other optical elements together, in which method ofoptical coupling one optical fiber is held by a movable holder, anotheroptical fiber is held by a fixed portion, the optical coupling face ofthe one optical fiber and the optical coupling face of the other opticalfiber are made to abut against each other, then an arc discharge deviceor the like is used to melt together the one optical coupling portionand the other optical coupling portion, with the movable holderautomatically aligning the one optical coupling portion and the otheroptical coupling portion, thereby achieving optical coupling) and/or bya distributed index of refraction type coupler which forms adistribution of index of refraction by light emitted from the waveguide(optical fiber) to a photosensitive substance and enables opticalcoupling by self-alignment between optical elements due to the same.

In the third aspect of the present invention, there are provided anoptical LSI, optical circuit substrate, backplane optical circuitsubstrate, optical tab, or flexible waveguide in which at least part ofthe interlayer insulating layer for electrical wiring is used also forthe waveguide layer.

According to the present invention, there is provided inthree-dimensional packaging of optical circuit substrates and LSI's inwhich a beam pass out through a medium such as a polymer or glass layer,an optical coupling capable of controling the beam by forming a hologramor waveguide by distribution of index of refraction in the medium. Thisoptical coupling can be realized by provision of an optical-opticalswitch and modulator in the transmission path between the opticalcoupling and the transmission destination and by modulation of thewaveguide light of the transmission path of the transmission origin byoptical signals from the transmission path of the transmissiondestination. According to the present invention, it is possible toachieve the optical coupling between the PD's and LD's mounted by solderbumps or PD's and LD's on the LSI mounted by solder bumps and theoptical waveguide formed in the substrate, optical coupling between theoptical LSI mounted by solder bumps and optical waveguide formed in thesubstrate, and optical coupling between the backplane optical circuitsubstrate and the optical circuit substrates by a method selected fromoptical tabs, optical solder, hologram optical elements (HOE), andlongitudinal direction (slanted direction) incoming and outgoing ends.Further, optical coupling between the backplane optical circuitsubstrate and optical circuit substrates may be performed by provisionof an optical-optical switch and modulator in the transmission path ofthe backplane and modulating the backplane waveguide light by theoptical signals from the optical circuit substrates.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, there areprovided a longitudinal direction (slanted direction) optical waveguidein the direction of film thickness formed by selectively changing theorientation state or thickness of a polymer film on the substrate, alongitudinal direction (slanted direction) waveguide fabricated byforming an organic or inorganic film on a surface provided with a stepdifference and using this as the waveguide layer, or a longitudinaldirection (slanted direction) waveguide fabricated by forming a film bythe vapor phase growth method on a surface provided with a stepdifference and using this as a waveguide layer. These waveguide layersmay be shaved at the surface after formation of the film so as to makelongitudinal direction incoming/outgoing ends. Before forming thewaveguide layers, an underlayer (buffer layer) may be provided. They mayalso be formed selectively at part of a step difference.

The waveguide may have provided above and/or below it an elementselected from a light emitting element, light receiving element,electro-optic element, waveguide, fiber, holographic optical element,and microlens to form an optical LSI, optical circuit substrate, oroptical circuit element.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, there arefurther provided parallel transmitters, which parallel transmitterstransmit optical signals by connecting the output electrodes of thetransmitted electrical signals to electro-optic optical switch andmodulator arrays, driving the electro-optic optical switches or opticalmodulators by the voltage of the electrodes, and pick up at least partof the light of a light power source (waveguide laser, waveguide opticalamplifier).

In the present invention, when connecting to a cooling substrate, it ispossible to connect optical circuit substrates by using opticalconnection for signal transmission between a circuit substrate in acooler and a circuit substrate outside. Further, it is possible to usean optical transmitter or supply light from the outside and make theoptical wiring by a flexible waveguide.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, there isprovided an optical circuit substrate which includes optical wiring anddrives a light emitting source provided in or mounted on the opticalcircuit substrate by a transistor in the LSI so as to modulate the lightintensity or wavelength or phase, transmits the optical signal throughan optical waveguide and/or space and/or medium space, converts this toan electrical signal by a light receiving element provided in theoptical circuit substrate or a light receiving element provided in theLSI or a light receiving element mounted on the optical circuitsubstrate, and thereby transmits the signal to a transistor in the sameLSI and/or an electrode connecting to the same.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a backplane optical circuit substrate for connecting opticalcircuit substrates, which backplane optical circuit substrate includesoptical wiring, drives a light emitting source provided in or mounted onthe backplane optical circuit substrate by an electrical signal of anelectrode of an optical circuit substrate so as to modulate the lightintensity or wavelength or phase, transmits the optical signal through awaveguide, converts this to an electrical signal by a light receivingelement provided in or mounted on the backplane optical circuitsubstrate or a light receiving element provided in or mounted on anotheroptical circuit substrate mounted on the backplane, and therebytransmits the signal.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, there isprovided an optical circuit substrate which introduces light from anoptical circuit substrate to a waveguide formed in the backplanemounting the optical circuit substrate and/or introduces light from thebackplane to a waveguide formed in the optical circuit substrate.

In the optical circuit substrate, it is possible to mount on the opticalcircuit substrate a sub-substrate including optical elements or carryingan LSI and an LSI or a sub-substrate including or carrying an LSI. Notethat it is possible to form the optical waveguide in the interlayerinsulating layer and/or protecting layer of these circuit substrates(multichip modules (MCM)), the waveguides may be provided in multiplelayers, and clock line and bus line wiring may also be performed.

In the above optical circuit substrate, the light receiving element maybe formed above and/or below the waveguide and/or in a manner cuttingacross the inside of the waveguide or may be formed above and/or belowthe waveguide at a distance away from it. Further, the light receivingelement may be selected from a photodiode, phototransistor, or MSMdetector comprised of amorphous silicon and/or polycrystalline silicon,may be selected from a photodiode, phototransistor, or MSM detectorcomprised of a conjugated polymer and/or low molecular weight crystal,and may be selected from a photodiode, phototransistor, or MSM detectorformed in an LSI. The light receiving element may be formed in asemiconductor crystal substrate and may be formed above and/or below thewaveguide and/or in a manner cutting across the inside of the waveguideor the light receiving element may be formed above and/or below thewaveguide at a distance from the same. The light emitting element may beselected from an LD, LED, and EL. Further, it may be made an organiclight emitting element comprised of a low molecular weight crystaland/or polymer.

The optical circuit substrate according to the fourth aspect of thepresent invention may have all or part of a waveguide comprised of apolymer and/or glass and/or ceramic. In the case of a polymer, it may bepartially or completely fluorinated and the polymer may be formed by thevapor phase growth method.

The optical circuit substrate according to the fourth aspect of thepresent invention can change the light supplying power in accordancewith the fanouts of the signal and can provide an optical path switchportion in the middle of the transmission. In the present invention,when a light passess through a medium such as a polymer or glass layerand three-dimensionally packaging optical circuit substrates and LSI's,by forming a hologram, waveguide, or distribution of index of refractionin the medium, it is possible to control the beams. Further, byprovision of an optical-optical switch and modulator in the middle ofthe transmission path of the transmission destination, it is possible tomodulate and optically couple the waveguide light of the transmissiondestination by an optical signal from the transmission path of thetransmission origin. In the present invention, the optical couplingbetween the light receiving elements and/or light emitting elementsmounted by solder bumps or the light receiving elements on the LSImounted by solder bumps and the optical waveguides formed on thesubstrate or the optical coupling between the backplane optical circuitsubstrate and the optical circuit substrates may be performed by amethod selected from optical tabs, optical solder, HOE's, andlongitudinal (slanted direction) incoming and outgoing ends.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is providedan optical switch which changes the optical path of all or part of awaveguide by changing the index of refraction of the waveguide and/orcladding, which optical switch changes the indexes of refraction ofwaveguides and/or cladding between two or more uncoupled waveguides byapplying voltage or irradiating light to the waveguides and/or claddingso as to switch the light, in particular, light from a waveguide tospace.

The optical switch may have electrodes formed in a manner sandwiching inthe waveguide and/or cladding, Preferably, the electrodes aretransparent or translucent. The electrodes may be formed in a mannersandwiching in the waveguide and/or cladding while being shiftedvertically. Further, provision may be made at the top and/or bottom ofthe waveguide or cladding of a layer with an uneven index of refractionand/or a hologram layer.

EXAMPLES

Examples of the present invention will now be explained with referenceto the drawings, but of course the present invention is not limited inscope by these

EXAMPLES Example 1

FIG. 1 shows an example of the constitution of an optical circuitaccording to the present invention. In this example, use is made of anoptical circuit including an optical waveguide formed on a support totransmit information between IC's provided on the optical circuit. Theoptical circuit is comprised of a light source 5 for generating light 8for transmission of information, a light source 6 for generating light 7serving as the pump light for generating the light 8 at the light source5, an optical branching filter 9 for branching the light 8 of the lightsource 5, a waveguide 11 for transmitting light branched by the opticalbranching filter 9, a clad layer 10 between the light source 5 and thewaveguide 11, a clad layer 2 under the light source 5, a clad layer 13above the waveguide 11, and a substrate 1 serving as the support for thesame. The light source 5 is comprised of a waveguide for guiding thelight 8 and reflecting films 3 and 4 at the two ends of the waveguide.The waveguide is prepared using a material which enters an excitedelectron state and generates the light 8 by the light 7. The reflectingfilms 3 and 4 are formed under conditions reflecting the light 8 at ahigh efficiency. The optical branching filter 9 is composed of anelectro-optic element prepared by a material having an electro-opticeffect and an electrode 14. By applying a voltage to the electrode 14,the index of refraction of the electro-optic element becomes higher andthe light 8 of the light source 5 is branched. By applying a signalvoltage to the electrode 14 of the IC 15, an optical signal inaccordance with the voltage signal is produced. The optical signalpropagates through the waveguide 11 and reaches the optical sensor 16 ofthe IC 17. The optical sensor 16 converts the optical signal to anelectrical signal. The IC 17 receives this electrical signal, wherebyinformation is transmitted from the IC 15 to the IC 17. Note that inFIG. 1, the light 8 may be introduced from the outside.

Example 2

FIG. 2 shows another example of the constitution of the optical circuit.FIG. 2 shows a basic construction the same as in FIG. 1. The opticalbranching filter 9 of FIG. 1 is composed of a high index of refractionclad portion 18 and an electro-optic material waveguide 19. The highindex of refraction clad portion 18 is prepared with a passive materialand branches the light 8 from the light source 5. The waveguide 19 isprepared by a material having an electro-optic effect and guides orblocks the light 5 of the high index of refraction clad portion 18 bythe presence or absence of voltage of the electrode 14. Further, asshown in this example, it is also possible to introduce from the outsidea light 20 of the same wavelength as the light 8 produced by the lightsource 5 and carrying signals or information. In this case, the opticalbranching filter functions as a gate for the signal light or informationlight.

Example 3

The light from the light source 5 branched by the optical branchingfilter 9 can be made to progress in a plurality of directions. FIG. 3shows an example of a two-fanout optical branching filter. The basicconstitution of this example is the same as in FIG. 2. The lightproduced by the light source 5 reciprocates between the reflecting films3 and 4 and therefore has two directions of progression. Therefore, byapplying a signal voltage to the electrode 21, it is possible to makethe light branched at the electro-optic material waveguide progress intwo directions as shown in FIG. 3.

Such a structure can be formed by the following for example. First, athin film of Nd doped glass etc. is deposited on a heat oxidized siliconsubstrate by CVD, sputtering, evaporation, or other methods to 0.5 to 10μm to form a waveguide constituting the light source. On the top of thisis deposited an SiO₂ film to 0.5 to 5 μm to form a top clad layer. Next,a waveguide is prepared by a material having an electro-optic effectsuch as an electro-optic polymer. This waveguide is prepared bypreparing a film by the method of coating a solution of an electro-opticpolymer etc. by spin coating or a doctor blade or by evaporation, CVD,or another method and by removing the film by etching or another methodto leave a waveguide portion. A clad layer is over-coated on this toplayer to realize the constitution shown in FIG. 3.

Example 4

The light source 5, as shown in FIG. 4, may also have a waveguideserving as the light source constituted by a region 23 with a low indexof refraction at the periphery of the cladding and a region 24 with ahigh index of refraction at the center. The reflecting films 3 and 4 atthe two ends of the light source are provided at the cross-section ofthe high index of refraction region of the waveguide. By introducinglight from the cross-section of the low index of refraction region, itis possible to introduce light with a high efficiency. It should benoted that that 25 shows pump light, while 26 shows signal light.

Example 5

For the electrode used for the optical branching filter, use may be madeof an electrode 27 having a cyclic structure as shown in FIG. 5. By theapplication of voltage, a cyclic structure of the index of refraction isformed in the electro-optic material 28. Using this cyclic structure ofthe index of refraction, the light of the light source is diffracted andthe light is branched. Note that in FIG. 5, 29 shows laser light, 30 alight source (laser waveguide), and 31 an optical waveguide (signaltransmission).

Example 6

FIG. 6 shows an example of a view of the plane structure of an opticalcircuit according to the present invention. In FIG. 6, the waveguide 32at the top of the multilayer structure optical circuit is shown by thethick lines, while the waveguide 33 of the bottom is shown by thinlines. In FIG. 6, the bottom layer waveguide 33 is used as the lightsource and the top layer waveguide 32 is used as a signal transmissionpath. As shown in FIG. 6, in the case of a construction where the topand bottom waveguides are made to intersect at the optical pickupportion as shown in FIG. 6, there is no longer a need for constructingthe two index of refraction portions in the clad layer in thisconstruction. Note that in FIG. 6, 34 is a channel waveguide and 35 isan optical branching filter.

A slab shaped light source may be constructed in a broad region of thesubstrate surface. In this case, an optical pickup portion is formed atany position of the slab shaped light source. The clad layer, forexample as shown in FIG. 2, is constituted by a high index of refractionportion and low index of refraction portion branching the light.

Example 7

FIG. 7 shows an example of an optical amplification optical circuit foramplifying light having intensity modulation. In this example, the light37 having intensity modulation transmitted by the optical waveguide isamplified by an optical amplification waveguide, and the light 37 of theoptical amplification circuit is made to diffract using the diffractiongrating for diffracting the light 37, branching the same to thesucceeding waveguide. The optical amplification optical circuit iscomprised by an optical amplification waveguide 42 for amplifying thelight 37, an optical coupler 41 for coupling the light 37 to the opticalamplification waveguide 42, a light source 39 for generating light of awavelength shorter than the light 31, an optical coupler 41 for couplingthe light 38 generated by the light source 39 to the opticalamplification waveguide 42, and a diffraction grating 43 which diffractsthe intensity modulated light amplified by the optical amplificationwaveguide 42 and branches it to the succeeding optical waveguide. Thelight 38 of the light source 39 is guided to the optical amplificationwaveguide 42. If the light 37 is introduced to the optical circuit inthat state, the optically amplified light 44 is obtained.

This construction, for example, is formed as follows: A waveguide 42 isformed on a heat oxidized silicon substrate serving as the support by anacrylic polymer in which is dissolved a cumarin dye. Next, the opticalcouplers 40 and 41 are formed by a mixture ofpolymethylmethacrylate/polystyrene. Next, a photosensitive film isformed at a portion for preparation of the diffraction grating 43 by acomposition comprised of an acrylic/fluorine containing acryliccopolymer, vinyl carbazole, allyl carbazole,trimethylolpropanetriacrylate, and other polymerizing monomer mixturesand a photosensitizer. This film is irradiated by light having the samewavelength as the light 37 and generated by the same light source fromthe side of irradiation of the light 37 and the side of emission of thelight 44 to prepare a diffraction grating. A film comprised of asilicone resin is formed on the top layer as a whole to form the topclad layer.

Example 8

The optical amplification waveguide, as shown in FIG. 8, may be awaveguide wherein the light 37 and 38 are reversed in direction ofprogression by a multilayer reflection type hologram and progress in azigzag manner. In this case, the construction may be also made one wherepump light is introduced to the waveguide and a long opticalamplification length can be obtained with a short element length.Further, as shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the construction may also beone where diffraction gratings 47 for reflecting and diffracting thelight 37 (signal light) or reflecting films 48 for reflecting the signallight are attached at the two ends of the optical amplificationwaveguide 42 and the light 37 is reciprocated in the waveguide 49.

Further, the construction may be one where a waveguide 49 in which light38 is guided is formed at the top or bottom of the optical amplificationwaveguide 42 in which light 37 is guided, guide the light 38 in thewaveguide 49, and guide the light 37 in the waveguide 42. Theconstruction may be one where an optical amplification waveguide 49 (oroptical amplification element) is formed at the top or bottom of awaveguide 42 where the light is guided. Also, the construction may alsobe one where the light 38 is irradiated from space to the opticalamplification waveguide 42 (or optical amplification element).

Example 9

FIGS. 11 and 12 show examples of optical amplification optical circuitsaccording to the present invention having a two-layer structure ofelements. In this case, for example, a solution comprised of a solventin which is dissolved an acrylic polymer, a high index of refractionmonomer, and an optical polymerization initiator is coated on the cladlayer to prepare a film, a pattern is exposed on the film from above,and the high index of refraction monomer is polymerized at the exposedportion to form an index of refraction modulated type optical waveguide49. On this top layer, a solution in which an xanthene dye and afluorine-containing epoxy polymer are dissolved is coated to form a filmand form the optical amplification element 50. If this film isirradiated with pump light 38 and signal light 37 is introduced to thewaveguide 49, an amplified signal is obtained (light source 51).

Example 10

FIG. 13 shows an example of an optical circuit of the second aspect ofthe present invention. In this example, a light power source 54 isprovided on the substrate 52. As this light power source, use is made ofa usual optical waveguide. A signal transmission waveguide 58 isprovided on the top of the light power source through an EO polymer 56.On the other hand, light reflecting portions 60 are provided on the twosides of the light power source 54. As the light reflecting portions 60,use is preferably made of reflecting films or gratings. By constitutingthings in this way, it is possible to preferably seal in the suppliedlight (λ) in the waveguide. By this, rather than what we may call awaveguide, a “reservoir” of light packed with photons is formed andserves as the light power source. Note that in the optical circuit ofFIG. 13, use is made of a waveguide laser for the light power source 54.For example, use is made of a waveguide laser doped with a rare earth.Pump light is introduced into this rare earth doped waveguide to causelaser oscillation. In this case, the light of λ is produced by laseroscillation using pumping rather than being supplied from the outside.The laser light does not have to be taken out from the end surface tothe outside, but preferably is sealed inside as much as possible toincrease the number of photons. Therefore, the index of refraction ispreferably made larger.

As shown in the example of FIG. 13, if the index of refraction of the EOpolymer is changed by the output voltage of the IC, for example, it actsas an optical switch and at least a part of the light of the light powersource is introduced into the signal transmission waveguide 58 and istransmitted to the light receiving element 62 provided corresponding tothe input portion of the IC. Here, an EO polymer 58 is used at themiddle, but another waveguide portion or light power source portion mayalso be given an EO effect. As the EO polymer and passive polymer, usemay be made of any usual epoxy, polyimide, conjugated polymer, etc.

FIG. 14(A) and FIG. 14(B) are schematic views showing the shape of alight power source from above. The light, for example, may be introducedthrough a grating or a holographic optical element or may be introducedby a directional coupler. Further, if the index of refraction of thelight power source is made larger than the index of refraction of theintroduction use waveguide, reversal of light from the light powersource to the introduction use waveguide can be suppressed and theefficiency of sealing in the light is improved.

FIGS. 15 and 16 show examples of the structures of optical circuitshaving light power sources (waveguide optical amplifier (FIG. 15) andwaveguide laser (FIG. 16)). (1) The light power source is formed byimplanting rare earth ions or dispersing rare earths (for example,normal laser glass) in the desired region of the substrate surface or byremoving the rare earth ions from the desired region (see FIG. 15). (2)The light power source is formed by implanting rare earth ions ordispersing rare earths in the desired region of a film formed on asubstrate, by removing the rare earth ions from the desired region, orby etching the desired region (see FIG. 16). (3) The light power sourceis formed by ion exchange at a desired region of a substrate includingrare earth ions (for example, the usual laser glass) or a desired regionof a film formed on the substrate and including the rare earth ions.

Below, an explanation will be made of an example of the fabrication ofthe light power source using laser glass. A channel waveguide is formedby the two-stage ion exchange method in commercially available Ndion-added laser glass (HOYA LHG-5, Nd₂O₃; 3.3 wt %). A dielectricmultilayer reflecting film is formed at the two end surfaces to create aresonator structure (Aoki et al., Laser Gakkai, “Proceedings of 6thNonlinear Optical Effect Device Study Group”, Kokai Kenkyukai Shiryo,pp. 41 to 46). For example, if pump light, that is, LD light of 800 nm,is introduced into a single mode waveguide of a cross-sectional area of10 μm×20 μm and a length of 5 mm, oscillation light of 1052 nm and 7 mWcan be obtained with respect to a pump light intensity of 30 mW.

An explanation will now be made of examples for making the opticalcircuit operate stably over a long period. To prepare for the case wherethe laser breaks down, a plurality of lasers are provided and areswitched in accordance with need. Further, it is preferable to interposea connector to enable the switching of the lasers to be performedsmoothly.

Example 11

Next, an explanation will be made of a waveguide optical amplifier orwaveguide laser according to the present invention. These areschematically shown in FIGS. 17(a) to (f), but they both have structuresimproved from the prior art example.

FIG. 17(a) is an example of the formation of the doped region A and thenondoped region B in a waveguide. FIG. 17(b) is an example of theprovision of the low concentration region C and the high concentrationregion D. Here, as shown in FIG. 17(c), if the index of refraction withrespect to the pump light in the high concentration region C′ or theindex of refraction with respect to laser light (or amplified light) inthe nondoped (or low concentration) region C′ is made higher, the pumplight will be more present in the high concentration region while theresultant laser light (or amplified light) will move to the nondoped (orlow concentration) region, resulting in efficient production of light.Further, it is possible to switch the light of λ efficiently to thesignal transmission waveguide by provision of an optical switch at thenondoped (or low concentration region) side. As shown in FIG. 17(d), itis also possible to form several regions. Further, as shown in FIG.17(e) and FIG. 17(f), a low index of refraction region E may also beinterposed. Note that for control of the indexes of refraction of theregions, adjustment can be made by the dope concentration. Adjustmentcan also be made by the matrix material or the composition of the matrixmaterial.

A normal waveguide laser and waveguide optical amplifier is comprised ofa single waveguide and has mixed pump light and oscillation light. Inthis case, when fetching out the laser light, there is interference inboth the laser light and the pump light. As a result, the phaserelationship of the laser light and the pump light changes and there isa risk of the oscillation stopping or instability. As opposed to this,in the present invention, when the laser light is amplified, itsimultaneously escapes to the side waveguides, while the pump lightconcentrates at the original waveguide. Accordingly, the amplificationof the laser light and the generation of the laser light are performedat the original waveguide. In this case, by taking out the laser lightfrom the side waveguides, there is less effect on the pump light andlaser light in the region of production of the laser light and thereforethe effect of phase distortion is reduced and the risk of oscillationstopping becomes smaller.

Example 12

Next, an embodiment of the specific structure of the example of FIG.17(c) will be shown.

For example, to make the structure shown in FIG. 17(c), it is possibleto use the waveguide having the dispersion of the index of refractionshown in FIG. 20. Below, the high concentration doped region in thefigure will be referred to as the layer I and the nondoped or lowconcentration doped region as the layer II.

For example, use is made of a polyimide material as the layer I (rareearth doped polymer prepared by vapor phase growth method as explainedlater). As the layer II, it is possible to use a mixed film, solidsolution film, or multilayer film of, for example, Al₂O₃ and SiO₂. Here,if the rare earth ion is made Tm³⁺, the pump light becomes 0.68 nm and λbecomes about 0.8 nm. The index of refraction of the polyimide filmbecomes n (0.68 nm)=1.65 and n (0.8 nm)=1.60, the index of refraction ofthe Al₂O₃/SiO₂ film becomes, by adjusting the ratio between Al₂O₃ andSiO₂, n (0.68 nm)=1.62 and n (0.8 nm) =1.62 at about 1:1, and it ispossible to satisfy the conditions of the above figure.

Instead of Al₂O₃/SiO₂, it is possible to use a polymer per se with asmaller dispersion of the index of refraction than the above-mentionedpolyimide, for example, a siloxane resin, silicone resin, or othercopolymer. A transparent polyimide having a wider energy gap than theusual polyimide is also possible.

By this, the light of λ amplified by the pump light at the layer I movesto the layer II. Therefore, λ can an be propagated without passingthrough a layer doped with ions to a high concentration, so thereabsorption of λ can be suppressed. Further, if an optical switch isprovided at the layer II side, only the light of λ is switched and takenout (since the pump light is sealed in the layer I). Therefore, abranching function is naturally provided.

Example 13

Next, the material in which an organic rare earth is included isschematically shown in FIG. 18(A). In this example, a molecule Mincluding one or a plurality of rare earth ions (M³⁺) is used. M³⁺ maybe incorporated in the form of a halide, oxide, sulfide, oxyhalide, orsulfohalide. Any shape of molecule is possible, but a form with the ionsintroduced in a ring shaped or spherically shaped molecule is preferableto reduce the interaction among rare earth ions as much as possible andsuppress the deactivation of the excited electrons. For example, asexamples of the molecules, there are phthalocyanine and porphyrin. Amolecule containing a number of rare earth ions is also acceptable. Forexample, since phthalocyanine has a coordination number of 2, it ispossible to introduce a trivalent rare earth in the form of MF or MCl.The molecule is added as a polymer side chain (FIG. 18(B)) or introducedinto the main chain (FIG. 18(C)). Unlike a conventional material(Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 4-12333) where themolecule is dispersed in the polymer, it is possible to introduce a highconcentration of rare earth ions while maintaining the distance betweenions. It is possible to produce a polymer as shown in FIG. 18 by addingthe groups belonging to the two groups shown in Table 1 to the moleculesand by a usual polymerization reaction (FIG. 19). In particular, it maybe formed by vapor deposition polymerization, CVD, MLD, MBD, and othervapor phase film forming methods.

Example 14

Below, an example of vapor phase film formation will be shown.

The explanation will be made of the case of making the monomer moleculeA of FIG. 19 a phthalocyanine molecule including a rare earth ion, forexample making R₁ and R₂ an amino group, and making the molecule B adianhydrous pyromellitic acid. A quartz cell containing powder of themolecules A and B is heated and the contents gasified and introducedinto a vacuum chamber. The crucible of the molecule A is heated to 100to 250° C. and the crucible of the molecules B to 80 to 150° C. Thesubstrate temperature is for example 150° C. By this, the molecules Aand B are alternately bonded and a polymer film grown on the substrateplaced in the chamber (heat oxidized Si wafer) by the reaction of theamino group and anhydrous dicarboxylic acid group. Further, it ispossible to obtain a polyimide containing rare earth ions by annealingthis at 250° C. for 2 hours. The polyimide film is used as a film forthe waveguide optical amplifier or waveguide laser of the presentinvention.

If R₁ and R₂ are made —NH₂ groups, R_(A) and R_(B) are made —CHO groups,the molecule B is made terephthalaldehyde, the substrate temperature ismade 100° C., the cell of the molecule A is made 100 to 250° C., and thecell of the molecule B is heated to 60° C., it is possible to obtain apolyazomethine film including rare earth ions.

In addition, a polymer can be formed by selecting and reacting R₁ and R₂from GI (GII) and R_(A) and R_(B) from GII (GI). Of course, it ispossible to use molecules including rare earth ions such as porphyrininstead of phthalocyanine.

Further, when use is made of an epoxy group for R₁, and R₂ (R_(A),R_(B)), it is possible to make R_(A), R_(B) (R₁, R₂) —NH₂ and makeeither one the same.

It should be noted that the meanings of GI and GII in FIG. 19 are asshown in the following table:

GI GII Base Group I (GI) Base Group II (GII)

—NH2 —NHSI(CH₃)₃ —OH —COCI —NCO —CHO —COOH

*)Anhydrous dicarboxylic acid group

Further, needless to say, R₁, R₂ (R₁, may even equal R₂) may be mutuallyreacting functional groups (vinyl group, methacrylic group, acrylicgroup, etc.) and the rare earth ion may be included in the monomermolecule A to make a polymer.

Also, if a film for a waveguide optical amplifier or waveguide laser isformed on a prepatterned underlying film such as an inclined evaporationformed film of a dielectric or a rubbed organic film, it is possible togive the polymer chain orientation and naturally form a waveguide.

Example 15

Next, an explanation will be given of an example of a process forproduction of a waveguide optical amplifier or a waveguide laser of thepresent invention explained above.

In this process, use is made of materials including a rare earth ionincluded as a halide, oxide, sulfide, oxyhalide, and/or sulfohalide. Thematrix material is glass or a Group II-VI compound or polymer.Specifically, a film for a waveguide optical amplifier or waveguidelaser is formed on the substrate by sputtering a glass or Group II-VIcompound target including a halide, oxide, sulfide, oxyhalide, and/orsulfohalide of a rare earth ion.

For example, use is made of an Nd ion-added laser glass (HOYA LHG-5,Nd₂O₃; 3.3 wt %) as a target and a 1 to 10 μm film is formed on a quartzsubstrate by the sputtering method. Reactive ion etching (RIE) or wetetching is then used to form a channel waveguide and form dielectricmultilayer reflecting films at the two end surfaces of the same tothereby produce a resonator structure. When pump light, i.e., LD lightof 800 nm, is introduced to this, 1052 nm oscillation light is obtained.

Here, the halides of rare earth ions include, for example, ErF₃, PrF₃,NdF₃, TmF₃, YbF₃, TbF₃, HoF₃, SmF₃, PmF₃, etc.

The oxyhalides, sulfohalides, etc. of rare earths include, for example,ErOF, PrOF, NdOF, TmOF, YbOF, TbOF, HoOF, SmOF, PmOF, ErSF, PrSF, NdSF,TmSF, YbSF, TbSF, HoSF, SmSF, PmSF, etc.

Examples of glass include borosilicate glass, phosphate glass, quartz,fluoride glass, fluorophosphate glass, laser glass, etc. Examples ofGroup II-IV compounds include ZnS, ZnSe, ZnO, SrS, CaS, etc.

The sputtering operation may be performed for example as follows:

As the target, use is made of ZnS including 5 molar percent of TmOF. Thesubstrate is a heat oxidized Si wafer. The substrate temperature wasmade 300° C.

For the sputtering, first a vacuum is created to 10⁻⁶ Torr. Next, a gas(a mixed gas of 30% Ar and 70% He) is introduced to a gas pressure of10⁻³ to 10⁻² Torr and a plasma is created by RF (high frequency). The RFpower is suitably 50 to 1000W/100 cm² . The film is formed whilemonitoring the film thickness by a sputter sensor.

The resultant film is annealed at 500 to 700° C. for one hour.

Further, the film may be formed by multitarget sputtering using a targetof the above-mentioned inorganic compound and a target of a glass orGroup II-VI compound.

As a target, use was made of TmOF and ZnS. The substrate was a heatoxidized Si wafer. The substrate temperature was made 300° C. For thesputtering, a vacuum was created to 10⁻⁶ Torr, then a mixed gas of 30%Ar and 70% He was introduced. The gas pressure was 10⁻³ to 10⁻² Torr.The RF power was applied independently to the targets. Five to 500W wasintroduced to the TmOF and 50 to 1000W to the ZnS. The substrate wasalternately moved on the ZnS and TmOF targets to form the film. Theamount of TmOF in the ZnS was controlled by the RF power, the residencetime of the substrate on the target, and the magnitude of theprojections on the target. The suitable amount was about 5 mole % to 10mole %. The amounts of molecules flying from the targets wereindependently monitored by setting film thickness monitors for each ofthe same.

Further, it is possible to form a film by evaporation of a glass orGroup II-VI compound source containing the above-mentioned inorganiccompound.

A ZnS:TmOF (content of TmOF 5 mole %) was subjected to EB evaporation ina vacuum of 10⁻⁶ Torr. The substrate temperature was 300° C. and thesubstrate was the same as in the case of sputtering.

Further, it is possible to form a film by multisource evaporation usinga source of the above-mentioned inorganic compound and a source of glassor a Group II-VI compound.

The ZnS target and TMOF target were independently heated to evaporate byEB to form the film. The amounts of flying molecules were monitoredindependently by separate film thickness monitors.

Here, in both the case of sputtering and evaporation, a uniformdispersion can be easily obtained by alternately exposing the substrateto the flying matter from the targets or sources.

On the other hand, when a polymer is used as the matrix material, it ispossible to form a film by simultaneously or alternately supplying ahalide, oxide, sulfide, oxyhalide, and/or sulfohalide and supplying apolymer and/or supplying a monomer serving as the material for thepolymer. Note that, in particular, it is easy to obtain excellentcharacteristics if the halogen is fluorine.

It is also possible to performing multitarget sputtering using a rareearth target or a Group II-VI compound target or perform multisourceevaporation using a rare earth source or a Group II-VI compound source.A good dispersion can be realized by alternately exposing the substrateto the flying matter from the targets or the sources.

Further, it is effective to suitably introduce oxygen, water, hydrogensulfide, and the like to improve the film quality and create a plasma.Annealing at above the film formation temperature further improves thefilm quality.

Further, it is possible to form the waveguide of the present inventionby forming in advance on the substrate a region with a high or low indexof refraction and forming a film over the same.

For example, a waveguide with an index of refraction higher than thesurroundings may be formed on a glass substrate by the ion exchangemethod, ion implantation method, etc. It is also possible to make awaveguide amplifier/waveguide laser by forming a film for a waveguideamplifier/waveguide laser over the same.

As the substrate, in addition to bulk glass it is possible to form awaveguide with an index of refraction higher than its surroundings ofthe same type as above by forming a dielectric film of SiO₂ or a polymerfilm on Si or glass and then using photolithography to place a film of adifferent composition and type partially on the same. It is possible toform a desired waveguide optical amplifier/waveguide laser by similarprocessing as above.

Example 16

FIG. 21 shows an example of an optical LSI comprised of an LSI on whichare superposed a cladding, waveguide, and cladding and performingoptical wiring between the same. In this example, a usual secondary ortertiary nonlinear optical material, for example, an electro-opticpolymer, conjugated polymer, nonlinear optical glass, semiconductor,etc. is used for the waveguide. These materials may be selected from tomake the materials partially different. Details of the LSI are notshown. The unevenness of the LSI is not shown either, but optical wiringis possible overcoming the unevenness by waveguides with good stepcoverage such as polymer waveguides formed by organic CVD and glasswaveguides formed by CVD.

If a voltage occurs across the electrodes of an LSI, part or almost allof the light which is supplied is reflected and is picked up by thesignal transmission waveguide. The optical switch used here may be aconventional directional coupling switch or a Mach-Zehnder type elementetc., but preferably it is an optical modulator-optical switch such asin FIG. 22 operating using the reflected light resulting from the stepdifference in the index of refraction at the optical waveguide due toapplication of voltage or any optical modulator-optical switch operatingusing the resultant leakage of light caused by opening a window in theindex of refraction in the cladding as a result of application ofvoltage. Since the amount of pickup is modulated by the voltage, theoutput voltage becomes an optical signal and is propagated through thewaveguide to reach the light receiving element (PD etc.) There, it isopto-electrically converted and output as voltage to the input electrodeof the LSI.

Here, there is no need to make the entire waveguide a nonlinear opticalmaterial. It is sufficient to give nonlinear optical characteristics tothe switch portion alone. In this case, as the passive waveguide, usemay be made of a fluorinated polymer, glass, etc. Here, the outputelectrode and the input electrode are not absolutely necessary. It isalso possible to apply the voltage of the transistor as is to thewaveguide or drive the receiving side transistor by the charge generatedby the light receiving element itself. By providing a matrix opticalswitch in the middle of the signal waveguide, switching between signalwirings becomes possible and the degree of freedom of wiring can beincreased.

FIG. 23 shows a system where provision is made of a light power sourceusing a waveguide laser-amplifier comprised of a rare earth ion dopedglass or polymer or ceramic and the light from there is picked up. Thelight power source and the signal waveguide do not necessarily have tobe superposed and can be on the same plane as well. Further, the signalmay be passed not only through the optical waveguide, but also throughspace, a medium space, or a fiber. Sometimes, it is also possible to dothis by a pickup from a waveguide passing DC laser light, but there isthe unavoidable effect that the amount of the light falls the furtherdownstream one goes. Accordingly the method of using a light powersource is much more superior.

FIG. 21 and FIG. 23 show the example of the formation of light receivingelement in a manner cutting across the inside of the waveguide. Aphotodiode, phototransistor, MSM detector, etc. comprised of amorphoussilicon, polycrystalline silicon, or a conjugated polymer is suitable.The mode of formation of the light receiving element is not limited tothe above mode. It may be formed above or below the waveguide to absorblight from the waveguide. Further, it is possible to form a PD on theLSI substrate to receive light as shown in FIG. 24.

In the case of using a polymer waveguide, since formation is possibleeven with unevenness in the surface of the LSI, the vapor depositionpolymerization method, the CVD method, the MLD method and other vaporphase film formation methods are effective. For example, use may be madeof the method described in Japanese Patent Application No. 4-179909filed Jul. 7, 1992 (an optical waveguide formed on a substrate andcomprising a polymer film formed by vapor phase growth or comprisingmainly the same, which optical waveguide is formed by forming apatterned organic or inorganic thin film on a substrate, thenselectively orienting and forming by vapor phase growth a polyimide filmon the patterned thin film, thereby giving an organic polymer filmsuperior in stability, with little optical scattering, and with littleabsorption loss, and a method enabling the efficient production of suchoptical waveguides).

The light power source may be activated as shown in FIG. 25 by using thelight from several LD's incorporated in the LSI. Alternatively, use maybe made of the method of introducing light from the outside through aconnector by a fiber, the method of introducing light from a waveguideof the optical circuit substrate through an optical tab, or the methodof direct introduction from the circuit substrate waveguide using ahologram, diffraction grating, reflection by a slanted surface, etc.Also, light may be introduced from the surface of the LSI using an HOE,optical solder, or the like. Introduction of light from the outsidemeans there is no need to make a light source in the LSI, so littlemodification is needed in the design of LSI's. Further, since the heatsource is attached outside, this is also effective for reducing thegeneration of heat of the LSI and therefore can be said to be a superiormethod.

By providing multiple layers of waveguides, the density of wiring can beimproved. In an optical LSI, normal electrical wiring is also present.Accordingly, the wiring density can be improved by joint use forinterlayer insulating film and waveguides.

Example 17

FIGS. 27 and 28 show examples of optical circuit substrates withsuperposed cladding and waveguides. Even in an optical circuitsubstrate, optical wiring is possible by substantially the same methodas with an optical LSI. The biggest difference is that in an opticalLSI, the optical switches and waveguides are formed on the LSI, while inan optical circuit substrate, these are on the optical circuit substrateand that LSI's and optical circuit substrate are coupled by electricalconnection such as solder bumps. In this example, the usual secondary ortertiary nonlinear optical materials, for example, electro-opticpolymers, conjugated polymers, nonlinear optical glass, semiconductors,etc. are used as the waveguides. Note that other than the switchportions, use may be made of passive waveguides such as polymers orglass. It is also possible to select from these materials and make thematerials partially different. Further, while the unevenness of theoptical circuit substrate is not shown, optical wiring is possibleovercoming the unevenness by waveguides with good step coverage such aspolymer waveguides using organic CVD or glass waveguides using CVD. TheLSI's are mounted on the optical circuit substrate by solder bumps. If avoltage occurs across the electrodes of an LSI, as shown in FIG. 22,part or almost all of the light of the light power source is reflectedand is picked up by the signal transmission waveguide. The opticalswitch used here is not limited to one of the shape shown in FIG. 22,but may be any optical modulator-optical switch operating using theresultant reflected light caused by the step difference in the index ofrefraction at the optical waveguide due to application of voltage, anyoptical modulator-optical switch operating using the resultant leakageof light caused by opening a window in the index of refraction in thecladding as a result of application of voltage, a directional couplingoptical switch, a Mach-Zehnder type modulator, etc. Since the amount ofpickup is modulated by the voltage, the output voltage becomes anoptical signal and is propagated through the waveguide or space or aspatial medium to reach the light receiving element (PD etc.) There, itis opto-electrically converted and output as voltage to the inputelectrode of the LSI. Here, there is no need to make the entirewaveguide a nonlinear optical material. It is sufficient to givenonlinear optical characteristics to the switch portion alone. In thiscase, as the passive waveguide, use may be made of a fluorinatedpolymer, glass, etc. Here, the output electrode and the input electrodeare not absolutely necessary. It is also possible to apply the voltageof the transistor as is to the waveguide or drive the receiving sidetransistor by the charge generated by the light receiving elementitself. By providing a matrix optical switch in the middle of the signalwaveguide, switching between signal wirings becomes possible and thedegree of freedom of wiring can be increased.

The light power source and the signal waveguide do not necessary have tobe superposed. They may be on the same plane as well. Further, thesignal need not only be passed through an optical waveguide, but mayalso be passed through space, a medium space, or fiber.

The light receiving element may be formed in a manner cutting across theinside of the waveguide or may be formed above or below the waveguide toabsorb light from the waveguide. Further, it is possible to form a PD onthe LSI substrate to receive light. A photodiode, phototransistor, MSMdetector, etc. comprised of amorphous silicon, polycrystalline silicon,or conjugated polymer is suitable.

In the case of using a polymer waveguide, since formation is possibleeven with unevenness in the surface of the optical circuit substrate,the evaporation polymerization method, the CVD method, the MLD methodand other vapor phase film formation methods are effective. For example,use may be made of the method described in Japanese Patent ApplicationNo. 4-179909 mentioned earlier.

The light power source may be activated by using the light from severalLD's incorporated in the optical circuit substrate. Alternatively, usemay be made of the method of introducing light from the outside througha connector by a fiber, the method of introducing light from a waveguideof the backplane optical circuit substrate connecting to the circuitsubstrate through an optical tab, or direct introduction from thecircuit substrate waveguide using a hologram, diffraction grating,reflection by a slanted surface, etc. Also, light may be introduced fromthe surface or the side surface of the optical circuit substrate usingan HOE, optical solder, or the like. Introduction of light from theoutside means there is no need to make a light source in the opticalcircuit substrate, so little modification is needed in the design ofconventional circuit substrates. Further, since the heat source isattached outside, this is also effective for reducing the generation ofheat.

By providing multiple layers of waveguides, the density of wiring can beimproved. In an optical circuit substrate, normal electrical wiring isalso present. Accordingly, the wiring density can be improved by jointuse for interlayer insulating film and waveguides.

Further it is possible to take over the function of the wiring in theLSI by the optical circuit substrate. For example, a waveguide forpassing DC laser light, preferably a light power source, is disposed andthe light from there is picked up and received by a light receivingelement corresponding to an input terminal in the same LSI. By usingthis technique, it is possible to form wiring in an LSI without changingthe CMOS itself and possible to disperse risks in the LSI and circuitsubstrate, so this is effective in reducing costs as well. Inparticular, it is effective for long distance wiring such as clock linesand bus lines.

The backplane optical circuit substrate will not be explained in detailhere, but it can be realized in the same manner as an optical circuitsubstrate in terms of structure and materials. The difference is thatthe main devices which are mounted are LSI's in the case of an opticalcircuit substrate and are boards (MCM) and other optical circuitsubstrates in the case of a backplane optical circuit substrate.Therefore, the structure of the light coupling portion differs. Thiswill be discussed later in more detail.

FIG. 29 shows an example of changing the light supplying power inaccordance with the signal fanouts for the case of an optical LSI. Forexample, when there are three fanouts of signals, by introducing threetimes the light power source power as in the case of a single fanout,the amount of light at the light receiving portion can be made uniform.The same applies to optical circuit substrates and to backplane opticalcircuit substrates.

Example 18

FIG. 30 shows an example of a monolithic optical circuit substrate. FIG.31 is a view of the concept of three-dimensional packaging of opticalcircuit substrates. Electrical wiring, waveguide wiring, and spatialbeam wiring are mixed here. By making the spatial beams propagatethrough the polymer or glass layer, it becomes possible to achievestable alignment and also by forming holograms, waveguides, anddistributions of index of refraction in the medium, excellent beamcontrol becomes possible.

FIG. 32 is a schematic view of longitudinal direction waveguides. Asdescribed in Japanese Patent Application No. 4-48961 filed Mar. 6, 1992(U.S. Ser. No. 28550) (forming an organic or inorganic thin film patternon a substrate or forming at least two types of organic or inorganicthin films of different types on the substrate or at least two types oforganic or inorganic thin films of the same type, but differentstructures, patterning at least one of the types of the organic orinorganic thin films among them, and selectively forming an organic filmon the patterned organic or inorganic thin film or selectively orientingthe same), by causing vapor phase growth of a polymer on an SiO₂ slantedevaporation deposited film, polymer chains orient in the slanteddirection of the substrate. By using this and forming an SiO₂ film atthe location where it is desired to form a longitudinal directionwaveguide, the polymer film on the SiO₂ is given a different orientationthan the surrounding polymer film and the index of refraction becomeshigher with respect to polarized electromagnetic radiation in the chaindirection, thus forming a waveguide. When use is made of apolyazomethine CVD film using terephthaldehyde and paraphenylenediamineas sources, the index of refraction in the chain direction becomes about1.9, the index of refraction in the direction perpendicular to the chainbecomes about 1.6, and the index of refraction of the surrounding randomfilm becomes in the middle of the two. Accordingly, this region becomesa waveguide with respect to polarized electromagnetic radiation in thechain direction. FIG. 33 and FIG. 34 show examples of provision of PD'sand LD's at the ends of the waveguides. Further, FIG. 35 shows examplesof use of the longitudinal direction waveguides in optical LSI's. Whentransmitting light with space, the efficiency is increased by disposingan HOE or microlens at the waveguide end or near the same. Further, thedirection of emission of light can be controlled, The same thing is truefor optical circuit substrates.

FIG. 36 shows examples of longitudinal direction waveguides prepared byforming a film on a surface with a step difference by vapor phase growthand using this as the waveguide layer. For example, by making the gaspressure at least 10⁻⁴ Torr in organic CVD, the deposition is improvedand a waveguide in the longitudinal (slanted) direction off from thesurface direction can be formed along a previously provided stepdifference (slanted surface also possible). By etching the surface etc.after forming the longitudinal or slanted direction waveguide, it ispossible to form longitudinal or slanted direction emission ends andemission of light from above the surface or below the surface orintroduction of light to above the surface or below the surface becomepossible. Further, it is possible to use selective growth to formlongitudinal or slanted direction emission ends without etching and toform waveguides of a desired shape. Also, a smooth curve can be realizedby forming an underlayer (buffer layer) with a lower index of refractionbefore forming the waveguide layer.

Example 19

FIG. 37 shows an example of mounting the optical circuit substrates(boards, MCM's) on a backplane (mother board) for simplification of theoptical connection. At this time, the problem is the connection of theoptical circuit substrates (MCM's) and backplane (mother board). In thepresent invention, use is made of for example electrical connectors forthe electrical connection. For the optical connection, use is made forexample of HOE's, optical solder, longitudinal (slanted) directionincoming and outgoing ends, optical tabs, etc. In FIG. 38,optical-optical switches are formed on the backplane, the waveguidelight of the backplane is modulated by the light emitted from theoptical circuit substrates, and optical coupling is performed with thelight substantially as it is. This system of course can be generallyused for optical coupling not only for coupling between an opticalcircuit substrate and a backplane.

As another example, there is the method of transmitting a signal bydriving an electro-optic optical switch and optical modulator providedon a backplane optical circuit substrate by voltage of an electrode onan optical circuit substrate, picking up the light of the light powersource (waveguide laser, waveguide optical amplifier), and therebytransmitting an optical signal, then converting this to an electricalsignal by a light receiving element provided on the backplane opticalcircuit substrate or light receiving element provided on another opticalcircuit substrate.

FIG. 39 is an example of optical coupling by basically a flexiblewaveguide, that is, optical tab and optical solder.

FIG. 40 shows an example of parallel transmitters. The output electrodesof the transmitted electrical signals are connected to an electro-opticoptical switch and modulator array. The electro-optic optical switchesor optical modulators are driven by the voltage of the electrodes and atleast a part of the light of the light power source (waveguide laser,waveguide optical amplifier) is picked up, thereby enabling transmissionof optical signals. Compared with an LD array, this is superior in termsof output stability and cost and is smaller in size.

FIG. 41 shows an example of use of optical connection for signaltransmission between a circuit substrate inside a cooler and outsidecircuit substrates. The optical wiring may be made using a flexiblewaveguide. By reducing the cross-sectional area, the heat conduction canbe suppressed and the cooling efficiency raised compared with the caseof connection by copper wiring. As the optical transmission andreception modules, use may be made of conventional modules using LDarrays and PD arrays. Preferably, instead of LD arrays, use is made ofexternal modulation type modules using electro-optic optical switchesand modulator arrays. In particular, it is also possible to use modulessimilar to those of FIG. 40. Further, by supplying light for the lightpower source from the outside, it is possible to suppress the generationof heat inside the cooler. The reception module may be formed on thesame substrate. Further, as shown in FIG. 41, by suitably adjusting thewaveguide intervals, it is possible to obtain interfaces with theconnection lines (waveguides, fibers, etc.)

FIG. 42 shows an example of a hybrid optical circuit structure. In thiscase, precision optical coupling is required for the LD's, PD's, andwaveguides compared with the monolithic optical circuit substrate, but acertain degree of improvement is possible by tinkering with the opticalcoupling method.

FIG. 43 to FIG. 48 show modes of packaging of the hybrid and monolithicoptical circuit substrates. Joining of electrical wiring and opticalwiring becomes possible by using solder bumps, HOE's, longitudinal(slanted direction) waveguides, etc. Further, these modes of packagingcan be applied to various types of optical/electronic packaging withoutregard as to level or type.

Example 20

FIG. 49 shows an example of an optical circuit substrate according tothe present invention. Optical waveguides are formed in the interlayerinsulating layer or protecting layer of the circuit substrate (multichipmodule (MCM)) and optical connection is performed by LD's (LED's, EL's)and PD's provided on the substrate. The usual electrical wiring is mixedin as well. The wiring density is improved by making multiple layers ofthe waveguides. The waveguides can be formed by the usual wet coatingand photolithography techniques. Waveguide wiring overcoming unevennessmay also be achieved by waveguides with good step coverage such aspolymer waveguides using vapor deposition polymerization, organic CVD,MLD, and other vapor phase film formation and glass waveguides usingCVD. For example, use may be made of the method described in thepreviously mentioned Japanese Patent Application No. 4-179909.

If a voltage occurs across electrodes of an LSI, for example, an opticalsignal changing in light intensity is produced by an LD (LED, EL). Theoptical signal propagates through the waveguide and reaches the PD.Here, it is opto-electrically converted and is output as voltage to theinput electrode of the same or another LSI. In the former case, this isdeemed as optical wiring inside the LSI. By using this technique, it ispossible to form wiring in an LSI without changing the CMOS itself andpossible to disperse risks in the LSI and circuit substrate, so this iseffective in reducing costs as well. In particular, it is effective forlong distance wiring such as clock lines and bus lines. The signal maynot only be modulated in intensity, but also modulated in wavelength ormodulated in phase. By arranging a matrix optical switch in the middleof the signal waveguide, it becomes possible to switch signal wiring andto increase the degree of freedom of wiring. The signal may be not onlypassed through the optical waveguide, but also through space, a mediumspace, or a fiber.

As the waveguide material, use may be made of for example fluorinatedpolyimides, glass, etc.

FIG. 50 and FIG. 51 show various modes of packaging in an opticalcircuit substrate. It is possible to join electrical wiring and opticalwiring using solder bumps, optical solder, HOE's, longitudinal (slanteddirection) waveguides, etc. FIG. 50 shows an example of the provision oflight receiving elements and light emitting elements to a circuitsubstrate. As the light receiving elements, photodiodes,phototransistors, MSM detectors, etc. comprised of amorphous silicon,polycrystalline silicon, conjugated polymers, or low molecular weightcrystals are suited. As light emitting elements, use may be made of LD'sand also EL's, LED's, etc. As the mode for forming the light receivingand light emitting elements, it is possible to form them cutting acrossthe waveguide or above or below the waveguide and therefore to absorblight from the waveguide or emit light to the same. Further, when usingsilicon or a compound semiconductor for the substrate, it is possible tomake the light receiving elements in the substrate and, in the case of acompound semiconductor, to make light emitting elements in it as well.Also, as shown in FIG. 51, it is possible to mount LD's and PD's on thesubstrate in advance by solder bumps etc. Further, as shown in FIG. 52,it is also possible to provide a sub-substrate forming or mounting LD'sor PD's. As shown at the bottom right, it is also possible to form PD'son the LSI substrate to receive light. These may also be mixed.

The backplane optical circuit substrate will not be explained in detailhere, but it can be realized in the same manner as an optical circuitsubstrate in terms of structure and materials. The difference is thatthe main devices which are mounted are LSI's in the case of an opticalcircuit substrate and are boards (MCM) and other optical circuitsubstrates in the case of a backplane optical circuit substrate.

By changing the light supplying power in accordance with the fanouts ofthe signal, it is possible to suppress the fluctuation in the intensityof the signal light reaching the light receiving elements. For example,when there are three fanouts of signals, by introducing three times thelight power source power as in the case of a single fanout, the amountof light at the light receiving portion can be made uniform. The sameapplies to optical circuit substrates and to backplane optical circuitsubstrates. Note that the three-dimensional packaging of the opticalcircuit substrates can be performed in the same manner as in FIG. 45.

FIG. 53 and FIG. 54 are examples of modes of packaging. The electricalwiring, waveguide wiring, and spatial beam wiring are mixed. By makingthe spatial beams propagate through the polymer or glass layer, stablealignment becomes possible. Also, by forming a hologram, waveguide, ordistribution of index of refraction in the medium, excellent beamcontrol becomes possible.

As described in the previously mentioned Japanese Patent Application No.4-48961, by vapor phase growing a polymer on an SiO₂ slanted vapordeposited film, the polymer chain orients in the slanted direction ofthe substrate. By using this, if for example an SiO₂ film is formed at alocation where it is desired to form a longitudinal direction waveguide,the polymer film on the SiO₂ is given an orientation different from thesurrounding polymer film and the index of refraction becomes higher thanthe polarized electromagnetic radiation in the chain direction, andtherefore, a waveguide is formed. When use is made of a polyazomethineCVD film using terephthaldehyde and paraphenylenediamine as sources, theindex of refraction in the chain direction becomes about 1.9, the indexof refraction in the direction perpendicular to the chain becomes about1.6, and the index of refraction of the surrounding random film becomesin the middle of the two. Accordingly, this region becomes a waveguidewith respect to polarized electromagnetic radiation in the chaindirection. It is possible to provide a PD, LD, HOE, microlens, etc. atthe end of the waveguide.

Note that, as shown in FIG. 36, it is possible to use vapor phase growthto form a film on the surface provided with the step difference and touse this as the waveguide layer so as to fabricate a longitudinaldirection waveguide. For example, by making the gas pressure at least10⁻⁴ Torr in organic CVD, the deposition is improved and a waveguide inthe longitudinal (slanted) direction off from the surface direction canbe formed along a previously provided step difference (slanted surfacealso possible). By etching the surface etc. after forming thelongitudinal or slanted direction waveguide, it is possible to formlongitudinal or slanted direction emission ends and emission of lightfrom above the surface or below the surface or introduction of light toabove the surface or below the surface become possible. Further, it ispossible to use selective growth to form longitudinal or slanteddirection emission ends without etching and to form waveguides of adesired shape. Also, a smooth curve can be realized by forming anunderlayer (buffer layer) with a lower index of refraction beforeforming the waveguide layer.

FIG. 55 shows an example of parallel transmitters. It is possible tomount LSI's on a circuit substrate provided with an LD array usingsolder bumps to reduce costs and size. The receiving module may beformed on the same substrate. This can also be used for opticalconnection of the signal transmission between the circuit substrate in acooler and the outside circuit substrates. A flexible waveguide may beused for the optical connection. By making the cross-sectional areasmaller, the heat conduction may be suppressed and the coolingefficiency rises compared with the case of connection by copper wiring.Further, by suitably adjusting the intervals between waveguides, it ispossible to obtain an interface with the connection lines (waveguide,fiber, etc.)

Example 21

FIG. 56(a) is an example of broadening the waveguide gap by a usualdirectional coupler so as to reduce the interaction between waveguides.The interaction may also be reduced without broadening the waveguide gapby increasing the difference in indexes of refraction of thewaveguide/cladding or strengthening the sealing in of the light. On thewaveguides are formed electrodes with end sides slanted with respect tothe direction of progression of the waveguides. The waveguide width andgap may be 1 to 100 μm, but as mentioned earlier the interaction betweenwaveguides must be reduced by sealing in the light and adjusting theintensity. For example, in the case of a waveguide width of 3 μm and awaveguide gap of 10 μm, the index of refraction of the cladding may bereduced by about 0.01 from the waveguide. When no voltage is applied,the light progresses along the original waveguide as it is. When anelectric field is applied, a difference is caused in the index ofrefraction in the waveguide and the light is reflected outside thewaveguide. If a similar difference in index of refraction is formed inthe receiving side waveguide, then as shown in the figure the light willproceed along the second waveguide. Here, the light does not all have tobe switched. It is also possible to switch a part of the same. In thiscase, the light of the original waveguide may be discarded as it is ormay be reutilize. As the waveguide material, for example, use may bemade of an epoxy or polyimide nonlinear optical polymer or conjugatedpolymer. As the voltage, usually 1 to 50V is applied. For the cladding,use may be made of a normal waveguide material such as a fluorinatedpolyimide or glass. As the process for formation of the waveguides,suitable use may be made of all sorts of techniques known up to now,such as etching, selective orientation, and mounting materials withdifferent refractive-index.

FIG. 56(b) is an example of forming electrodes at both of the waveguidesand guiding the light emitted from one of the waveguides to the otherwaveguide by the difference in the index of refraction caused byapplication of voltage. When several other waveguides are formed, it ispossible to select the waveguide to switch to by selectively applyingvoltage to the receiving side electrode.

FIG. 56(c) is an example of reduction of the index of refraction of thecladding of the waveguide to be switched to at the side opposing theoriginal waveguide so as to be lower than the index of refraction of theintermediate cladding and insertion of light to the receiving sidewaveguide.

FIG. 57(a) is an example of application of voltage to the cladding. Whenno voltage is being applied, the light is guided to the originalwaveguide as it is. When the index of refraction of the cladding isincreased due to the application of voltage, a window is formed thereand the light travels through it. In the case of use of a typicalnonlinear optical polymer, switching is possible with at least 50V ifthe waveguide width is made 3 μm, the waveguide gap is made 8 μm, theelectrode length is made 100 μm, and the difference in indexes ofrefraction of the waveguide and cladding is made 0.005.

FIG. 57(b) is an example of the formation of the window at a slant. Ifthe angle made by the window with the waveguide is made 5 to 10°,excellent optical switching is possible.

FIG. 58 shows the case of waveguides superposed longitudinally. Theprinciple is similar to the examples up to here. If the positions of theelectrodes are shifted as shown in the figure to sandwich thewaveguides, then changes occur in the index of refraction at a slant,the light is reflected, and switching between waveguides becomespossible.

FIG. 59 is an example of using a nonlinear optical material for thecladding, providing a window by application of an electrical field, andtherefore causing the light to jump to space. The principle is similarto that of FIG. 57(a). As shown in FIG. 60, it is possible to cause thelight to jump to space even if giving a nonlinear optical characteristicto the waveguide itself. In this case, it is effect to form a grating bya comblike electrode as shown in FIG. 61. Further, in the same way as inFIG. 57(b), it is possible to switch to space by shifting the electrodesin position etc. and forming a distribution of the index of refractionat a slant in the waveguide layer. FIG. 62 is an example of driving suchoptical switches by thin film transistors (TFT's) formed monolithically.amorphous silicon TFT's are easily formed. If Poly-Si is used, theswitching speed becomes faster. By providing a layer with a nonuniformindex of refraction as shown in FIG. 63, it is possible to control thebeam collection and emission direction. More specifically, there areholograms (HOE) and flat lenses etc. If provision is made of ascattering layer as shown in FIG. 64, the emitted light propagates at awide angle.

As shown in FIG. 65 and FIG. 66, by giving a reflection function to theend surfaces or the area near the end surfaces, it is possible to raisethe efficiency of utilization of the light. Further, by providing thinfilm transistors at the electrodes, the degree of freedom of theelectrical control of the switches is increased.

In the above embodiment, the case of electrical control was shown, butit is also possible to control the switching by light by using theoptical Kerr effect. As materials exhibiting an optical Kerr effect,mention may be made of conjugated polymers and dye-doped polymers.Further, use may be made of semiconductor doped glass or compoundsemiconductor with multiple quantum wells structures.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an opticalswitch which is resistant to the effects of fluctuations in dimensionsand temperature, which can operate with a multimode waveguide, which haslittle crosstalk, and which enables switching to space.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As explained above, according to the present invention, in an opticalcircuit comprised primarily of an optical waveguide, it is possible todirectly fetch light from the light source by a plurality of electricalelements and the plurality of electrical elements can generate signallight with little variation in the intensity. Further, in an opticalcircuit comprised primarily of an optical waveguide, it is possible torealize an electronic optical circuit which is rich in flexibility andcan handle complicated optical interconnections and it is possible toform an excellent waveguide optical amplifier or waveguide laser, whichare useful for optical communications and optical interconnection.

In accordance with the present invention, further, there are providedoptical connections inside an LSI and between LSI's and connectionbetween circuit substrates not requiring a large number of lightemitting elements and fine coupling between these and the transmissionpath by incorporation of electro-optic elements, light receivingelements, waveguides, and the like monolithically in an LSI and there isprovided a system for the transmission of uniform optical signals byadjustment of the amount of the light supplied in accordance with thenumber of fanouts.

LIST OF REFERENCES IN DRAWINGS

1 . . . substrate

2 . . . clad layer

3, 4 . . . reflecting films

5, 6 . . . light sources

7, 8 . . . light

9 . . . optical branching filter

10 . . . clad layer

11 . . . waveguide

12, 13 . . . clad layer

14 . . . electrode

15 . . . IC

16 . . . light sensor

17 . . . IC

18 . . . high index of refraction clad portion

19 . . . electro-optic material waveguide

20 . . . light

21 . . . electrode

22 . . . electro-optic material waveguide

23 . . . low index of refraction region

24 . . . high index of refraction region

25 . . . pump light

26 . . . signal light

27 . . . cyclic structure electrode

28 . . . electro-optic material

29 . . . laser light

30 . . . light source (laser waveguide)

31 . . . light waveguide (signal transmission)

32, 33 . . . waveguides

34 . . . channel waveguide

35 . . . optical branching filter

37, 38 . . . light

39 . . . light source

40, 41 . . . light coupler

42 . . . light amplification waveguide

43 . . . diffraction grating

44, 45 . . . light

46 . . . multiplex diffraction grating

47 . . . reflection diffraction grating

48 . . . reflecting film

49 . . . waveguide

50 . . . optical amplification element

51 . . . light source

52 . . . substrate

54 . . . light power source (waveguide or waveguide laser)

56 . . . EO polymer

58 . . . signal transmission waveguide

60 . . . light reflecting portion

62 . . . light receiving element

What is claimed is:
 1. An optical circuit, comprising: an opticalwaveguide producing a light I carrying signals and information andhaving a wavelength; a light source A generating a light II having ashorter wavelength than the wavelength of the light I and projecting thelight II in the waveguide; a light source B which is provided in saidwaveguide and comprising two ends of said waveguide provided withopposing reflecting films, mirrors, or diffraction gratings andgenerating the light I by the light II; and at least one optical switchor optical branching filter for switching or branching to anotheroptical waveguide the light I generated by the light source B responsiveto an electrical signal, said optical switch or optical branch filtercomprising a material having an electro-optic effect.
 2. An opticalcircuit according to claim 1, wherein the light source B comprises ahigh index of refraction region and a low index of refraction regioncontacting each other, the opposing reflecting films, mirrors, ordiffraction gratings at two ends of the high index of refraction region,and the light I is coupled or irradiated at the low index of refractionregion.
 3. An optical circuit according to claim 1, wherein the opticalswitch or optical branching filter comprises a material having anelectro-optic energy and which undergoes a change in the index ofrefraction upon application of a voltage, and switches or branches partof the light I of the light source B.
 4. An optical circuit according toclaim 1, wherein the material having the electro-optic effect is anelectro-optic polymer.
 5. An optical circuit according to claim 1,wherein the optical switch or optical branching filter further comprisesa material having electrodes and oscillating with a cyclic pattern andhaving an electro-optic effect and forming a cyclic pattern ofmodulation of the index of refraction responsive to application of avoltage to the electrodes and the optical switch or optical branchingfilter switches or branches part of the light I of the light source B.6. An optical circuit according to claim 1, wherein the light source Ais disposed on a same substrate as the light source B and the light IIprovided by the light source A is coupled to or irradiated at the lightsource B using as a medium an optical waveguide, optical fiber, orspace.
 7. An optical circuit according to claim 1, wherein the lightsource A is disposed on a different substrate than the light source Band the light II provided by the light source A is coupled to orirradiated at the light source B using as a medium an optical waveguide,optical fiber, or space.
 8. Parallel optical transmitters, whichparallel optical transmitters transmit optical signals by connecting theoutput electrodes of the transmitted electrical signals to electro-opticoptical switch and modulator arrays, driving the electro-optic opticalswitches or optical modulators by the voltage of the electrodes, andpick up at least part of the light of a light power source, saidelectro-optic optical switch or optical modulator comprising a materialhaving an electro-optic effect.
 9. An optical circuit, comprising: alight source producing excitation light; a light generating waveguideexcited by the excitation light from said light source to producewaveguide light; and an optical element refracting the waveguide lightfrom said light generating waveguide responsive to an electricalinformation signal to produce information carrying light, wherein one ofthe light source, the light generating waveguide and the optical elementcomprises a material having an electro-optic effect.
 10. An opticalcircuit, comprising: a light source producing excitation light; a lightgenerating waveguide excited by the excitation light from said lightsource to produce waveguide light; an optical element refracting thewaveguide light from said light generating waveguide responsive to anelectrical information signal to produce an information carrying light;a transmission waveguide transmitting the information carrying light;and an optical sensor converting the information carrying light into adestination electrical signal including the information of theinformation signal, wherein one of the light source, the lightgenerating waveguide, the optical element, the transmission waveguideand the optical sensor comprises a material having an electro-opticeffect.
 11. An optical circuit, comprising: a source of light excited byexcitation light; an optical element refracting the light generated bysaid generating means and responsive to an electrical signal, thusproducing information carrying light; and an optical switch or modulatorformed in the optical circuit and refractively releasing at least partof the information carrying light, wherein one of the source of light,the optical element and the optical switch or modulator comprises amaterial having an electro-optic effect.
 12. An apparatus comprising: alight generating waveguide excited by excitation light from a lightsource to produce waveguide light; and a first optical elementrefracting the waveguide light from said light generating waveguideresponsive to an electrical information signal to produce informationcarrying light such that a second optical element converts theinformation carrying light to a destination electrical signal, whereinone of said light generating waveguide, said light source, said firstoptical element, and said second optical element comprises a materialhaving an electro-optic effect.
 13. An apparatus comprising: a firstoptical element refracting light generated by a light source andresponsive to an electrical signal to produce information carryinglight; and a second optical element converting the information carryinglight to a destination electrical signal, wherein one of said firstoptical element, second optical element, and said light source comprisesa material having an electro-optic effect.
 14. An apparatus comprising:a first optical means refracting light generated by a generating meansand responsive to an electrical signal to produce information carryinglight; and a second optical means converting the information carryinglight to a destination electrical signal, wherein one of said firstoptical means, second optical means, and said generating means comprisesa material having an electro-optic effect.